Pillars of a Singer's Breath
1
Clear Airways
Air travels through the vocal folds as they oscillate, the pressure moving the air upwards and eventually out of the mouth, creating both the resistance and resonance needed for singing. A fundamental of this process is airways unmarked by mucus and phlegm, so certain exercises can regulate this.
2
Breath Control
Breathing properly (through one's diaphragm, without raising shoulders, and engaging intercostal muscles) allows the air use to be maximized, and the sound to be less breathy. It will create an open, clear sound, when the breaths are regulated and from the proper place.
3
Proper Warmup
Singing without warming up fails to regulate proper tone, as well as inhibits a singer's ability to reach certain notes. It all begins with clearing buildup of phlegm in the throat and vocal chords, which is why SOVT exercises are so important.
SOVT Exercises in Action
To effectively see how semi-occluded vocal tract exercises work, take a look at this video, singing "I Don't Need a Roof" from Big Fish the musical, twice, separated only by SOVT exercises. Both are filmed with congestion due to sickness, but the show must go on!
Notice:
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In the first clip, little resonance due to little air resistance.
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Breathing patterns are inconsistent, and notes are missed.
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Overall, congestion is obvious.
Notice
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When removing the straw, the airflow is more focused, creating stronger resonance.
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Notes are reached with stronger breathing patterns.
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Congestion still present, but masked.
SOVT Straw Phonation
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Increases resistance and engages the core.
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Vocal fold vibration clears buildup.
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Sound is concentrated in small amount of airflow